Sadly my Pogoplug E02 has lost it's will to live.

None of the usb ports seem to get any power anymore, the ethernet port going must have been a warning of things to come.
I was quite fond of it too.
I have recently purchased one of those fruity things, no not the beret, the other fruity thing but it just doesn't seem to hold the same charm for me.
So since I am thinking of trying to buy another, I thought I would ask if I might be better off getting one of the other devices folks use instead.
I plan on getting a couple this time. One for me and another for a donation I am working on that will include a few pi zero's and arduino nano's and sensor kits for the local childrens hospital.
My thought is to use the pogo for a file server for the kids to store their projects to in case they don't get the same device back and want to continue or reuse previous projects in addition to providing backup storage for the devices should something happen.

I like the idea of using the thumb drives as they are cheap and can be easily swapped, transported and or replaced should the need arise.

So far I have:

5 - Arduino nano's w/ cable
5 - pi zero's (cases, usb cables and 16gb cards) (of course they come out with a new one now : / )
5 - 49 piece sensor kit
5 - misc kits (jumper wires, buttons, led's, brdboards, resistors, capacitors, stepper motors, servo motors, rf boards, etc...)
1 - wireless router

Saving for:

5 - small chrome books/cheap laptops (linux installed)(worried about getting refurbished though)
1 - network storage device (pogo)
5 - Arduino books (have some free pdf books but like paper still)
5 - Raspberry pi books (have some free pdf books but like paper still)

So with that, any thoughts on if the E02 would still be fine or might something else server the purpose better?

Thanks,

Hi feas,

The Pogo E02 is still a good server. In a classroom setting, the kids will not access it too heavily.

Wish I had started the Dreamplug project sooner! I could give you one, but I need to get it working running Debian first (u-boot is also doable later). The Dreamplug has eSATA so it's a future proof kind of planning.

What's the time frame on this project?

-bodhi
===========================
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bodhi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi feas,
>
> The Pogo E02 is still a good server. In a classroo
> m setting, the kids will not access it too heavily
> .
>
> Wish I had started the Dreamplug project sooner! I
> could give you one, but I need to get it working r
> unning Debian first (u-boot is also doable later).
> The Dreamplug has eSATA so it's a future proof kin
> d of planning.
>
> What's the time frame on this project?

Two to three months is what I am shooting for. Depends on how tight I can get my belt and am also having trouble trying to get the zero's to connect to laptop for internet and vnc over usb I have got serial working but the rest is being difficult so far. Nobody is expecting anything as I have been piecing this together as I can.

> 5 - small chrome books/cheap laptops (linux instal
> led)(worried about getting refurbished though)

Also, this is where I would buy Dell chromebook 11. It is a work horse and can take a really good beating and still kicking :) excellent for classroom environment.

I'll post my Dell chromebook 11 model shortly. I run Linux Mint 18 on it.

-----

I have the 2GB version of this Dell Chromebook:

https://www.amazon.com/Dell-CRM3210-1207BLK-Chromebook-Celeron-Chrome/dp/B00TWFHONK

-bodhi
===========================
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/06/2017 03:25AM by bodhi.

bodhi Wrote:

>
> I have the 2GB version of this Dell Chromebook:
>
> https://www.amazon.com/Dell-CRM3210-1207BLK-Chrome
> book-Celeron-Chrome/dp/B00TWFHONK

I was looking at this and believe it is a quad core from another site I was reading since I don't have any knowledge of the chrome books. What are your thoughts?

laptop

--- forgot link

I was think of mint also for this.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/06/2017 04:18AM by feas.

Mine is dual-core (perhaps later model is quad-core).

This link from Techradar is a more thorough review (I saved this link while researching).

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/dell-chromebook-11-2015-1284386/review/1

I like the Dell Chromebook because it is not expensive comparing to the Toshiba. The build quality is execellent for the price, same kind of build that you'd find in factory floor PCs or field equpiment. Not beautiful, but like a Thinkpad kind of tech.

Tech notes:

I flashed John Lewis SeaBios on it. It runs Mint fast and snippy with Cinamon desktop. No trouble installing, except for one trick: you need to set the clock right to get Wifi working!

Here is Arch wiki:
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Dell_Chromebook_11

-bodhi
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/06/2017 04:15AM by bodhi.

sorry to hijack the post.... what is the DreamPlug project and how did i miss it?


If you are looking at "developer boards" the R-pi thing is about the best you can get in terms of available howto documentation + great if you are a novice in the area. You can get better performing boards at less money, but you do need more indepth knowledge of what you are dealing with.

Is there an amazon wishlist somewhere I/We could browse and maybe help with a gifted purchase? I like the sound of you project and would like to assist

Gravelrash Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Is there an amazon wishlist somewhere I/We could b
> rowse and maybe help with a gifted purchase? I lik
> e the sound of you project and would like to assis
> t

Honestly I had not considered doing that as I though some may see it as a scam.
I suppose I can post pictures of the items I have purchased so far and maybe screen captures of orders on the way.
I can look into what is needed to make one if there is interest.
Perhaps I should make a detailed listing of what all I have so far and can get suggestions of things to include.

Also, I don't want to solicit if that may be frowned upon here.

Just thought I would include what I was up to for more experienced people to guide me on a NAS solution for this.

@feas,

Don't worry. But if you would like, pm people who showed interests to help such as Graverash and me some info (whatever you feel appropriate), or pm anyway even you dont feel like receiving gift donation.

-bodhi
===========================
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@Gravelrash:

http://forum.doozan.com/read.php?2,29065,31871#msg-31871

I've also moved the thread to Debian forum.

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Gravelrash Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> sorry to hijack the post.... what is the DreamPlug
> project and how did i miss it?
>

One thing though, if a person goes and buys a DreamPlug straight off eBay, isn't there model numbers to be aware of that has different RAM specs or something like that? I hate to cause any confusion but I thought that was a unit where you'd either bought a gem or something you might regret.

=========
-= Cloud 9 =-

JoeyPogoPlugE02 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gravelrash Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > sorry to hijack the post.... what is the DreamPl
> ug
> > project and how did i miss it?
> >
>
> One thing though, if a person goes and buys a Drea
> mPlug straight off eBay, isn't there model numbers
> to be aware of that has different RAM specs or som
> ething like that? I hate to cause any confusion bu
> t I thought that was a unit where you'd either bou
> ght a gem or something you might regret.

There is only one Dreamplug, AFAIK. But I will post the exact model.

-bodhi
===========================
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> There is only one Dreamplug, AFAIK. But I will pos
> t the exact model.

DreamPlug model: 003-DS2001

-bodhi
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Here is what I have purchased so far and either physically have or is being shipped from china.

VKmaker T30 45-in-1 Sensors Modules Starter Kit for Arduino

1 x Soil module
1 x Infrared sensor receiver module
1 x Laser head sensor module
1 x Temperature and humidity sensor module
1 x Infrared emission sensor module
1 x 5V relay module
1 x Gyro Module
1 x ARDUINO finger detect heartbeat module
1 x Microphone sensitivity sensor module
1 x Metal touch sensor module
1 x Flame sensor module
1 x 3-color LED module
1 x Hunt sensor module
1 x Linear magnetic Hall sensors
1 x Rotary encoder modules
1 x Active buzzer module
1 x Magic Light Cup modules
1 x Small passive buzzer module
1 x Digital temperature sensor module
1 x Tilt switch module
1 x Analogy Holzer magnetic sensor
1 x Ultrasonic module
1 x Mercury opening module
1 x Hall magnetic sensor module
1 x RGB LED SMD module
1 x Arduino Mini Reed module
1 x Bicolor LED common cathode module 3MM
1 x Smart car avoid obstacle sensor infrared sensor photoelectric switch
1 x Key switch module
1 x Photoresistor module
1 x Breadboard power module
1 x ARDUINO hit sensor module
1 x Temperature sensor module
1 x Vibration switch module
1 x Microphone sound sensor module
1 x Large reed module
1 x Two-color LED module
1 x Optical breaking module
1 x Temperature sensor module
1 x MP1584EN buck module
1 x SD card reader module
1 x Arduino PS2 Joystick game controller module
1 x Automatically flashing LED module
1 x DS1302 clock module
1 x Water level module 


Elegoo EL-CK-002 Electronic Fun Kit Bundle with Breadboard Cable Resistor, Capacitor, LED, Potentiometer (235 Items)

1pcs Power Supply Module
1pcs 400 tie-points Breadboard
1pcs 65 Jumper Wire
20pcs Female-to-male Dupont Wire
1pcs Active Buzzer
1pcs Passive Buzzer
1pcs Precision Potentiometer
1pcs IC 4N35
1pcs IC 74HC595
5pcs Diode Rectifier (1N4007)
5pcs NPN Transistor (PN2222)
2pcs Photoresistor
1pcs Thermistor
10pcs Button (small)
10pcs White LED
10pcs Yellow LED
10pcs Blue LED
10pcs Green LED
10pcs Red LED
1pcs RGB LED
2pcs Pin header (40pin)
10pcs 22pf Ceramic Capacitor
10pcs 104 Ceramic Capacitor
5pcs Electrolytic Capacitor (10UF 50V)
5pcs Electrolytic Capacitor (100UF 50V)
10pcs Resistor (10R)
10pcs Resistor (100R)
10pcs Resistor (220R)
10pcs Resistor (330R)
10pcs Resistor (1K)
10pcs Resistor (2K)
10pcs Resistor (5K1)
10pcs Resistor (10K)
10pcs Resistor (100K)
10pcs Resistor (1M)

----edit
added:

MFRC522 MIFARE RFID Reader Writer Module for Arduino 13.56Mhz  SPI RC522 MFRC

USB to TTL Serial Cable Adapter PC-PL2303HX Chipset USB Cable Computer Cable ST

5PCS T type 9V DC Battery Power Cable Barrel Jack Connector for Arduino DIY

4 x 3 Matrix Array 12 Key Membrane Switch Keypad Keyboard for Arduino/AVR/PIC

4 Bits Digital Tube LED Display Module With Clock Display TM1637 for Arduino

High Quality HC-SR501 Infrared PIR Motion Sensor Module For Arduino Raspber new

0.91" IIC I2C Serial SPI OLED LCD Display 128x32 3.3V/5V Arduino PIC AVR STM32

Attached are photos of what I have and or screen shots of the shipping details for what has been purchased. The shipping screen shots are from an android app called geek.

arduino nano v3 shipping
micro servo shipping
RF tx/rx shipping
Stepper motor shipping
kits/router
misc kit parts
sensor kit parts
multimeter
pi zero's, case, sdcard

TODO:

Books

Need good book suggestions for arduino and pi's. Can't say I have been very happy with what I have found at my local library.
I would like to find something that explains well how to write the code for the sensors, everything so far is copy this and run it.
Don't think they need to be written specifically for kids as I think most kids now days would be insulted by that and the book would also tend to skip over how to go about writing the code.

Laptop/Chromebook

I did not find a new chromebook that Bodhi suggested so am looking at this. It is a bit more than I was hoping to pay but it seems like a good choice to me, but I am still open to suggestions. Just want to be able to buy a new one to minimize chances I get called that one broke down.

Lenovo N22

NAS

----edit

This is being donated! Thanks!

pogoplug E02

Sensor code cleanup

The sensor kit comes with a cd with some code for the sensors but it needs some clean up and verifying. The wording used is as you would expect and can give a pretty big headache when trying to read it.

Pi Zero configurations

There are guides to setting up the zero's to be headless over a usb cable but for the life of me I can not get them to work fully yet. I do have serial access to them but have not been able to get ssh to work into them nor ethernet for internet connectivity over the usb cable.

I can ping the devices but when I try to ssh into them it kicks me out like it won't accept the password. I have run thru the sshd.conf and tried older images before ssh was disabled by default. I am wondering if it may have something to do with them being the newish 1.3 camera version and it may have a conflict now.


I am thinking of combining all of these sets in backpacks so each kit can be easily stored and transported.

Any thoughts on what else may good to include?

I will hold off for a few days on making a wishlist to share should any suggestions be made for purchases.

I have also added the code clean up and zero configuration task should someone want to contribute other than financially.

I have tried to include everything should someone be concerned with a financial contribution also, if something else is desired to ease the mind I will try to accommodate.

wish list



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2017 01:41AM by feas.

@feas,

That's a very good list!

NAS:

I would go with the Pogo E02 for now. Should the class's needs become more than just backup, then the next step is a larger plug. The newer NAS (such as Zyxel NSAxx and NASxx series) are good fit. But they cost a lot more so that wil defeat the purpose of showing how old and obsolete hardware can be made to perform like more expensive NAS with latest Linux distro.

The next step up (in power not in cost)I think is the Dreamplug. I have not got enough free time to play with this, so I dont know yet about the heat issue.

-bodhi
===========================
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Gravelrash Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Is there an amazon wishlist somewhere I/We could b
> rowse and maybe help with a gifted purchase? I lik
> e the sound of you project and would like to assis
> t

Wish list added. Note there is an option to buy elsewhere and still subtract it from the list below the add to cart now. If you need a shipping address I can provide it in a PM.

PM sent

back at ya

Hi feas,

My Dell Chromebook 11 battery is dead today :) it's no longer holding charge. Sorry to have recommended you such a dud! So please beware.

I've been traveling and forgot to shut it down. So the chromebook battery drained to 0 and died. It's partly my fault to have let it go under the margin! However, obviously the battery is not a good quality one.

-bodhi
===========================
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Sorry to hear that, it does seem fairly common with my google-fu. Does the battery hard reset help resolve it?

Is the battery replaceable? You might be pleasantly surprised how inexpensive they can be. I replaced my old Inspiron with one that's $8 including shipping!

I for one am convinced a Chromebook looks great, not only that but because the RAM is replaceable, I can't see going without one very long. So thanks from here.

=========
-= Cloud 9 =-

feas Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sorry to hear that, it does seem fairly common wit
> h my google-fu. Does the battery hard reset help r
> esolve it?

It did not help! I also disconnected it and wait for approximately an hour for memory to clear.

-bodhi
===========================
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JoeyPogoPlugE02 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is the battery replaceable? You might be pleasantl
> y surprised how inexpensive they can be. I replace
> d my old Inspiron with one that's $8 including shi
> pping!
>
> I for one am convinced a Chromebook looks great, n
> ot only that but because the RAM is replaceable, I
> can't see going without one very long. So thanks
> from here.

It is till quite expensive if new. I need to do more searches on eBay for this.

-bodhi
===========================
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Random search on eBay is pretty encouraging, around $15 for something that looks as good as stock:

Does the Chromebook work with power adapter otherwise?

Maybe that's this year's goal for Black Friday, is look for those power banks that store enough electricity to just run a laptop of one of those with an adapter.

=========
-= Cloud 9 =-



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/01/2017 11:09PM by JoeyPogoPlugE02.

Thanks Joey! Looks like they are all for a different model. Mine is Dell Chromebook 11, battery model 5R9DD.

> Does the Chromebook work with power adapter otherw
> ise?

Sure, I can plug it in permanently. This chromebook does not have RTC so the clock needs reset to a sane time whenever you disconnect/connect power.

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bodhi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi feas,
>
> I've been traveling and forgot to shut it down. So
> the chromebook battery drained to 0 and died. It's
> partly my fault to have let it go under the margin
> ! However, obviously the battery is not a good qua
> lity one.

My laptop (Debian) has a setting to shutdown when the battery is at a critical level. I am surprised there is not something like that or does it not work from suspend I wonder. Anyway, seems common enough of an issue across brands with chrome books that I would think there must be a solution to not letting it happen in the OS by default. Of course we are in a make crap products so replacements parts make them more money economy.

Perhaps these may help as you are very intelligent, I on the other hand would probably blow it up in my face.

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/low_voltage_cut_off

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_repair_a_laptop_battery

feas Wrote:

> the battery is at a critical level. I am surprised
> there is not something like that or does it not wo
> rk from suspend I wonder. Anyway, seems common eno
> ugh of an issue across brands with chrome books th
> at I would think there must be a solution to not l
> etting it happen in the OS by default.

I ususally charge a laptop when it reaches 20% and always charge it before shutting down for extendended period. I suspect that the low capacity detection worked, and smart batteries also have that. However, if it is crap, then there is always risk to it when the capacity is too low :)

> Of course w
> e are in a make crap products so replacements part
> s make them more money economy.

I think so too. They surely want it to fail at a reasonable time so we buy new products :))

>
> Perhaps these may help as you are very intelligent
> , I on the other hand would probably blow it up in
> my face.
>
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/lo
> w_voltage_cut_off]http://batteryuniversity.com/lea
> rn/article/low_voltage_cut_off[/url]

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/ho
> w_to_repair_a_laptop_battery]http://batteryunivers
> ity.com/learn/article/how_to_repair_a_laptop_batte
[/url]

I think I am too risk averse to mess with battery :) But thanks for these interesting articles. I have not seen such good discussions about rechargeable batteries before.

-bodhi
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(Although I've done zero research) it would seem there's a need for RTC on all the netbooks. So if we invented one on the spot right now, how does this look: a tiny USB plug that has an RTC and hearing aid battery, and when Netbook starts up it syncs with the USB plug. Sell a billion of them.

Though you can't backdate ideas to Dec 31, 1969 anymore :-)

=========
-= Cloud 9 =-

Joey,

Nice try :) Actually it is easy to work around for this lack of RTC and in case there is no battery: write the last datetime to a file and read it back during boot. As long as the time is in the past and close enough to the current time, it will be OK. The ntp daemon will take care of setting it to the correct time afterward.

-bodhi
===========================
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bodhi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Joey,
>
> Nice try :) Actually it is easy to work around for
> this lack of RTC and in case there is no battery:
> write the last datetime to a file and read it back
> during boot. As long as the time is in the past an
> d close enough to the current time, it will be OK.
> The ntp daemon will take care of setting it to the
> correct time afterward.

I knew RTC is lacking on Raspberry Pis and Arduino, but was kind of blindsided about netbooks. Searching ebay for "RTC for Raspberry Pi" got interesting results and quite low prices. If I'm not mistaken our Pogoplugs don't have a(n) RTC either?

* Sorry I got off topic really. Feas and his project for the children's hospital is the focal point and.... I have an idea:
First of all, considering my own personal challenges at the moment I don't have money to donate yet still want to help. If there's a way I can bumpersticker a message in my signature linking it to donation page unrelated to me, I'll do it and for specified time like 30-90 days and see how it goes. What is the compelling persuasive language? Actually that could change once a week until the best one is found.
** decades ago my cousin found himself paralyzed quadriplegic on his 18th birthday, and in the last 10 years of his life I tried and failed several times to get him a computer. They were very expensive in the 80's and he never did get one. Therefore I know what can happen without that kind of hope and personal fulfillment, discipline and general fun. This is important.

=========
-= Cloud 9 =-



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/03/2017 12:09AM by JoeyPogoPlugE02.